Influence of Tungsten and Cobalt Contents on the Microstructure Changes and Fracture Behavior of New Carbon-Free Steel-alloy Composites

Abstract

The ever increasing demand for steel materials that have good combinations between strength and toughness urged all researchers working in the field of material science to find new alloys that can approach that requirement. Unfortunately strength and toughness of materials are always counter acting properties. However, carbon contents in the steel define to a great extent its strength and toughness. In this research an effort is paid to produce steel alloy composites that can give higher strength together with good toughness without alloying with carbon. The mechanism of strengthening in Iron-Cobalt-Tungsten composite alloys with variations in Co and W contents is investigated. The fracture toughness and hardness, are measured for all alloy composites under investigation. The changes in microstructures after heat treatment are emphasized using metallurgical microscopy and SEM-aided with EDX analyzing unit.